All Roads Lead Back Home.
B/deshi connects professionals from the Bangladeshi diaspora to support each other, strengthen culture and reinvest in the community, while building a stronger global Bangladeshi brand in the process.
In early 2016, Fahim Saleh and I found ourselves in Brooklyn thinking about Bangladesh. I told him a story of two Queens-born Bangladeshis whom I'd met the week before, and how they told me that they were struggling to take advantage of the resources available in the great City of New York. On the surface, their complaints about the lack of access and privilege seemed like excuses, but a deeper dive revealed that the Bangladeshi diaspora experience has never truly been optimized.
We are disconnected generationally, geographically and through class structures.
"How do we make sure our people in the future can aspire for more?" The conversation immediately delved into a brainstorming session on how to move forward. Fahim had recently introduced me to amazing Bangladeshis in New York whom I hadn't met before, so I knew there was a path there. We started coming up with ideas on how to empower the children of immigrants, how to help the promising youth back home and, in the process, strengthen the Bangladeshi brand throughout the world. In addition, we recognized the need for more visible Bangladeshi role models who operated at global standards.
When it came to a name, we wanted one that bridged gaps—and after saying "bideshi" out loud, we realized it could reflect the need to "be deshi" (for those in the diaspora lacking cultural attachment) as well as "bideshi" (for those in Bangladesh needing greater exposure to the world outside).
We Simplified It into B/deshi.
We Move Forward.
At the heart of our mission is a desire to build a stronger global Bangladeshi identity. Today, that starts with connecting four groups:
And for those who want to come home, we want to make the move easier: the people who've done it, the opportunities waiting there and the know-how to build a life and career in Bangladesh.
Taking Control of Our Own Narrative.
The collective stories of our people across geographies and industries won't simply inspire our own but will also divert the narrative away from pity and poverty. The Bangladeshi spirit has undoubtedly gone through generations of tragedy, which is why it's important for us to show the world what we've been able to build on top of it all, honoring those who've sweat and bled for a better Bangladeshi experience. What we do now is for them, for ourselves and the future we fight for.
Rahat AhmedCo-FounderWhat Does B/deshi Mean?
For those who grew up abroad and want a stronger cultural connection to Bangladesh.
For those wanting greater access to the global landscape, through stronger relationships within our community.
Run by Members, for Members.
City admins host the chapters and groups, and a small core team keeps the network running. Everyone involved is a member.
Frequently Asked
Who Can Join?
Working professionals in the diaspora, from established leaders to ambitious rising talent, keen on building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, not just transactional ones. We care about quality, not size. Membership is by invitation: every member is referred by someone already in the network. If you know a member, ask them for their link. Not a member yourself? You can still recommend someone.
How Do I Recommend Someone?
Anyone can: use our recommendation form. Our team reviews every recommendation, and if it's a fit we'll invite them to join. Members can also share their personal invite link.
What Does B/deshi Do?
B/deshi is where Bangladeshi professionals around the world find each other. Members in 120+ cities meet at chapter events, make introductions that open doors, and trade advice, jobs and deals in a private members' community. In the members area, they can search the directory, ask for intros, post and find jobs, and RSVP to events worldwide. For members thinking about moving back, we connect them with people who've made the move and opportunities at home. Through B/deshi Invest, members put diaspora capital behind the best founders in Bangladesh. And our newsletter follows what Bangladeshis are building, everywhere.
Can I Help?
Absolutely. Follow us on our socials, come to one of our events, or write to us if you'd like to help organize in your city.
How Do I Get in Touch?
Email hello@bdeshi.org.
What Bangladeshis Are Doing, Everywhere.
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